LESTER BURRELL SHIPPEE
176 his
government, he suggested a modification to meet the objecfirst let the title be considered by the arbiter, then, if it
tion
should be found that neither party had good title to all the region, an equitable line of division could be made. Further-
more, since there seemed to be some question as to whether there could be found a suitable arbiter, there might be a "mixed commission with an umpire, or a board composed of the most distinguished civilians and jurists of the time, appointed in such a manner as to bring all pending questions to the decision of 6 the most enlightened, impartial and independent minds." No immediate answer was returned to this proposal, not because Polk intended to accept it, but, as Buchanan informed
was desired to find out what had been the Annual Message upon the British government and people. McLane was told once more that the United States would never accept any proposition which involved the surrender of anything south of 49 degrees, and, in view of popular excitement, state legislature resolutions, and
McLane, 7 because
it
impression made by
the
the temper of Congress, "if the British
government intend
to
a proposition to this givernment they have not an hour to lose if they desire a peaceful termination of the controversy." While the second arbitration proposition was before the
make
administration Polk
made
to his Cabinet a tentative sugges-
which would have redoubled the efforts of the Whigs in Congress could they have known of it. He suggested for con-
tion
sideration a possibility for a
new
line of
approach to the solu-
appeared probable that no division of the territory could be agreed upon; let there be made a treaty of commerce, whereby each country agreed to relax tion of the question, since
its
restrictive tariffs;
it
Great Britain should lower her taxes
on American foodstuffs, cotton, tobacco and other articles to a "moderate revenue standard" and the United States would do the same with its duties on British manufactured articles. Such a reduction of the United States schedule of duties would 6 Buchanan to Pakenham, 3 Jan., Sen. Doc. No. 117; Pakenham to Buchanan, For. St. Papers, 34: 140, (20 Jan.) 16 Jan., Ibid.; Pakenham' to Aberdeen, Br. Given in full in Works of Buchanan, VI, 7 Buchanan to McLane, 29 Jan. Only parts of the letter were submitted to Congress. 366-8.
&
